Aladdin Broadway Trip - Scranton School for Deaf
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Aladdin Broadway Trip
In November, our middle school and secondary applied studies students visited New York City to see Ground Zero and enjoy
Aladdin on Broadway. Prior to the trip, students spent time learning about the events of September 11, 2001 and the significance
of that day. They researched and studied the many memorials that have since been set up and what these symbolize to the
American people. Our students then discussed the story of Aladdin and the geography and culture of the Middle East. They
watched the Aladdin movies, and created a Venn diagram about the two productions.
The trip to New York was fantastic. Students and staff enjoyed an interpreted performance of Aladdin on Broadway after their visit
to Ground Zero. After the show, the group met with the interpreters and the ASL Director to ask questions and learn about what is
involved in interpreting a Broadway performance. The day concluded with dinner at the famous Ray’s Pizza. It was delicious! ■
SPRING 2020
Bear Tracks
1 Aladdin Broadway Trip 6 Life of the Honey Bee
Our
2 Prudential Field Trip 7 Thanksgiving
3 Spirit Week 7 Penny Wars Toys for Tots
vision 3
4
5
Celebrating Dr. Seuss
Prudential ASL Classes
PBIS Karate
8
8
9
Holiday Show
Ski Club Fun!
Santa Comes to Town
5 First Responders Breakfast 10 SSDHHC’s Therapy Dog Program
It is the vision of
6 Halloween 12 Blowout in a Winter Wonderland!
our school to be a
Total Learning
Environment
for our students.
The Scranton School for
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Children is a special place
where…
• Our students achieve at
the same levels as other
children in our society. Prudential Field Trip
On October 22, our middle and high school students had the opportunity to
• Our students reach their experience a “Day at the Office”. Our students
highest potential in were guests of the ADAPT program at Prudential in Scranton.
academics and citizenship.
In the morning, the students toured the facility and learned
about different employment opportunities available at Prudential. They
• Our students achieve participated in presentations by Prudential team members from various
independence, high departments and shared lunch with Prudential staff participating in the
personal aspirations, lunchtime ASL classes.
and pride. In the afternoon, students had an opportunity to learn about workplace
accommodations from Diane Hettinger and watch Prudential’s Deaf
The Scranton School for Deaf
and Hard of Hearing Children developer, Thomas Chappell, share his experiences with the technology he
537 Venard Road uses and creates.
Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Ms. Hettinger and Mr. Chappell work in Prudential’s New Jersey office and
(570) 585-1000 V/TTY
(866) 978-1886 VP were willing to come to Scranton and meet our students.
www.thescrantonschool.org
After the day at Prudential came to a close, SSDHHC students
were eager to invite Ms. Cheryl Petrosky, Mr. Joe Duffy and
Editor: Dr. Steve Farmer Mr. Thomas Chappell back to our campus. They visited classrooms and the
Managing Editor: Jessica Marks dorm. Our students were able to share our school
2 and what they are learning with the Prudential team. ■
Spirit Week
Spirit Week at SSDHHC is always a great way
to show school spirit and is always loads of fun for
students and staff. This year’s Spirit Week included
Zoo Day, Pajama Day, Wacky Wednesday, Superhero/
Character Day and Team Color Day. The entire
school was divided into two teams of blue and gold.
Dressing in each day’s theme and playing games
throughout the day could earn your team additional
points. The competition was fierce this year, but
in the end, the gold team ended the week with
a win ending the blue team’s winning streak!! ■
You Can Find Magic
Wherever You Look.
Sit Back and Relax All
You Need is a Book.
-Dr. Seuss
State Representative Kyle Mullins visited our
students to read I Can Read With My Eyes Shut by
Dr. Seuss. After story time, students played Yertle
the Turtle Stacking, Pin the Hat on the Cat, Make
Your Own Cat Hat, One Fish, Two Fish for Words
and more. The Turtle Stacking was a fan favorite!
A huge thank you to our fantastic Middle School
students for helping to run the activities for our
younger students and a special thank you to
Carlene Miller for dressing and playing the role
of Cat in the Hat!
A special Seussical lunch was served in the
3
cafeteria with green eggs and ham, whimsical
cupcakes and chicken wocket pockets. ■
Prudential ASL Classes
The Scranton School began a very exciting partnership with Scranton School and support our school’s efforts. Prudential
Prudential Scranton last Spring. Prudential ADAPT BRG reached employees used their community engagement time to
out in an effort to offer hearing screenings to their employees. volunteer at our golf tournament; Prudential become a silver
With The Scranton School providing the mobile diagnostic sponsor for our annual Gala and Mr. Chappell has visited
unit and Family Hearing Center sharing their audiologists campus to facilitate STEM activities with our students. As the
-over 100 Prudential employees participated in our first joint Prudential ADAPT BRG and The Scranton School collaboration
venture. Seeing the success of the first collaboration, everyone continues to grow, we hope to educate and enhance both
quickly realized that working together would benefit both organizations while deepening our ties within the community.
organizations. As part of SSDHHC’s Outreach efforts, Mary Written by: Cheryl Petrosky, Joe Duffy and Mary Ann Stefko. ■
Ann Stefko, Cheryl Petrosky and Joe Duffy - from Prudential
ADAPT - discussed the potential for “Lunch and Learn” sign
language classes for Prudential employees. In October, the
first “Lunch and Learn” series began and was enthusiastically
received by Prudential employees. The highlight of the “Lunch
and Learn” series has been the middle school students from
SSDHHC spending a day “on the job” at Prudential exploring
career opportunities. In addition, Prudential Senior developer-
Thomas Chappell, a graduate of NTID, visited the Scranton site
to share his education, experiences and professional career
with our students. The students left Prudential with a very
clear message - your future is bright and many companies,
like Prudential, place a high value on diversity and inclusion!
The “Lunch and Learn” series continues and we have added
an inter-site component. Thomas Chappell connects with us
in Scranton, from his office in New Jersey, to co-teach the
classes. What an awesome opportunity to connect across the
organization and allow everyone the opportunity to
have full access to this project. Prudential employees
4 have gone above and beyond to become part of The
PBIS Karate
On Thursday, October 24th, The Scranton School
turned its gym into a Karate Studio for the Positive
Behavioral Intervention and Support monthly
blowout. Huntzinger’s Karate hosted the event
for all students who earned the opportunity by
showing readiness, responsibility, respect, and
safety throughout the past month. Students were
introduced to the sport and culture of karate,
as well as the importance of focus, awareness,
and self-control. After warming up and watching
demonstrations, the students learned karate
moves and routines. Their confidence soared as
they broke wooden boards, practiced their kicks,
and even learned some important self-defense
maneuvers. At the end of the blowout, all students
received a certificate for a free private session and
free introductory class at any of the Huntzinger
Karate studios. The Scranton School is so grateful
to Huntzinger Karate for generously offering our
students this amazing opportunity. ■
First Responders
Breakfast
On October 28th, The Scranton School for Deaf and
Hard of Hearing Children celebrated National First
Responder’s Appreciation Day by hosting a breakfast
for first responders. Sixteen first responders, which
included two local police chiefs, enjoyed a delicious
breakfast provided by The Scranton School’s
very own chefs. Following breakfast, participants
engaged in discussion about the law regarding
interpreting, how to obtain a certified interpreter,
and how to communicate with a Deaf person during
an emergency.
The Scranton School is excited to continue our
partnership with first responders in our community
by offering specially designed Sign Language
classes for their departments. If you are interested
in having one of these classes brought to your
agency or department, contact Hannah Hart 5
at hhart@thescrantonschool.org or
570.585.1000. ■
Halloween
A rainy Halloween could not dampen the spirits of students
at SSDHHC. The festivities began with a healthy Halloween
lunch, prepared by Bryan Carey and Michael Danylak.
After lunch, preschoolers and elementary students were
joined by children from the Choices for Children program for Through the generosity of the PSO and its members,
a Halloween Parade, sponsored by the PSO. Following the healthy snacks and light-up necklaces in brightly colored
parade through the hallways, CFC families, preschoolers and treat bags were distributed to students of all ages. CFC families
kindergarteners proceeded to a dance and photo booth in the also received the treat bags, along with Halloween bears.
second floor multi-purpose room. Talk of the Town Productions, Students in Sarah Taylor’s class assembled the bags that
Jessup, donated the use of the Photo Booth and the DJ were distributed that day.
services. Darryl Bickauskas served as DJ. Snack Shack of Wilkes-
Barre donated ice cream treats. Two more dances were held Students and CFC families also received a pumpkin to take
that day -- one for elementary students and one for middle home and decorate, courtesy of Adam Fisher and Ashley
school and high school students. Halechko. ■
Life of the Honey Bee
On Wednesday, November 6th, students in preschool through
third grade were treated to a delightful nature presentation,
“Life of the Honey Bee.” Two gentlemen from the Susquehanna
Beekeepers Association, Mr. James Wood and Mr. Jim Barber,
conducted an interactive, educational experience with our
students that included the role playing of the many different
types of bees within a hive. Students volunteered to be
worker bees, nursing bees, baby bees, housekeeping bees, air
conditioning bees, drones, and even the queen bee! Students
and staff alike greatly enjoyed the fun, informative role-plays.
Students were shown the special gear worn while tending a
hive, and a couple of students were even able to dress like
a beekeeper! The crowning glory of the presentation was
the glass-enclosed beehive, full of live bees! Students were A good time was had by all! We thank Mr. Wood and Mr.
fascinated by the degree of activity occurring between the Barber for taking the time to share their special hobby with us!
panes of glass. Mr. Wood and Mr. Barber also showed a variety We would also like to extend a big SSDHHC “thank you” for the
of pictures and photographs that broadened student lovely book donated to our library, the “I Love Bees” stickers,
understanding of these fascinating creatures! and the delicious jar of honey made by local bees! ■
6
Thanksgiving
Middle School students visited the South Abington
Township and Clarks Summit Borough buildings
to give back to the communities who give us so
much. Students delivered Thanksgiving meals
prepared by our talented school chefs.
Residential students invited friends and family to
celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. The dorm was
decorated and everyone enjoyed delicious food and
pies baked by our residential students and staff. ■
Penny Wars
Toys for Tots
The Scranton School conducted a Penny War
during the month of November. Our students
and staff really got in the spirit. Each class collected
money and had it deposited in milk jugs. Pennies
and paper money gained points, while silver coins
caused teams to lose points. In the end, Mrs. Treat’s
class was the grand winner and earned a special
lunch with Principal Pettinato. The efforts from
this event raised $1,050.00. The money was
donated to the Marine Corps Toys for
Tots Program. ■ 7
Holiday Show
The Scranton School was full of holiday spirit as students
performed the annual holiday show. There was holiday
music, skits and of course, no Scranton holiday show
is complete until we announce the winners of the ugly
Christmas sweater contest! ■
Ski Club Fun!
8
Santa Comes to Town There is something about the Holiday Season that brings out The Scranton School is so very thankful for each one of the the “kid” in all of us. Whether it’s the creativity and beauty thoughtful and generous folks who partnered with us to of holiday light displays or the smells of seasonal treats, or celebrate the season and inspire so many children, spreading perhaps it’s the excitement we feel as we exchange gifts and wonder and joy to our community this year. Thank you for special gestures of appreciation with friends and loved ones - being a part of the magic! ■ it is truly a magical time of year! Of course, adding to the Holiday feel is the anticipation of the arrival of that Big Guy in the Red Suit… SANTA CLAUS! Santa took TWO days out of his busy travel schedule to spend some time chatting with young children from The Scranton School and our local community about their Christmas lists and pose for pictures. Students attending the “Annual Breakfast With Santa” event enjoyed a delicious breakfast and then received a special book from Santa and his 8th-Grade Elves. Elementary-age students and younger children in our Choices for Children program, as well as a number of young children from the South Abington Community joined us at the Abington Community Library for the 10th Annual Signing Santa event and enjoyed some special gifts delivered by Santa and Mrs. Claus and a free book from the Abington Community Library’s Book Nook. Not to be outdone, members of the SSSD Alumni Association got into the spirit of the season too! Alumni representatives generously presented each student at The Scranton School with a gift card to 5-Below so they could each choose a special gift for themselves or a loved one. 9
SSDHHC’s Therapy
Dog Program
There is a dog in school?! psychological disability to certify their pet as an Emotional
Support Animal. There is no formal training needed to be an
The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children is Emotional Support Dog. You may see Emotional Support Dogs
one of the latest schools to open its doors to a furry, four-legged flying on airplanes with their owners.
companion. School Therapy Dogs are currently trending as
more and more educational institutions begin to understand
the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.
So, what is a Therapy Dog?
Working dogs are on the rise in this country, and the difference
between their roles and training often gets confused. There are
three types of working dogs: Service Dogs, Emotional-Support
Dogs, and Therapy Dogs.
Service Dogs work to help people with disabilities such
as visual impairments, seizure disorders, heart defects, and
diabetes. They are specifically trained to work with the person
to help their owner function effectively in their environment,
or even take life-saving measures for their owner. You may see
Service Dogs guiding their owners through public places such
as grocery stores or restaurants.
Emotional Support Dogs provide comfort, a calming presence,
and company for their owner. Often the owner
must provide documentation of an emotional or
10Therapy dogs are used in facilities to comfort people and What is the Therapy Dog Program?
give affection. Spending time with a therapy dog has been
shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce anxiety SSDHHC’s School Therapy Dog Program, run by Cyndy Ward
and increase endorphins and oxytocin. Therapy dogs do not and Jackie Bailey, seeks to connect students with a trained
have to be trained to perform specific tasks like service dogs, therapy dog to help improve their academics and social-
however, they must go through training to ensure that they emotional health. Fitz spends one school day every week
can effectively work with people. You may see therapy dogs in in the building. In this time, he does classroom visits, meets
places such as schools, hospitals, hospice centers, and disaster with individual students, and works on the Therapy Dog Literacy
relief areas. Program. This program allows students with reading anxieties
and difficulties to sit one-on-one with Fitz and read a book
Who is SSDHHC’s Therapy Dog? of their choosing to him. Reading to a therapy dog has been
proven to boost reading scores and literacy rates, as it provides
SSDHHC is very proud to have Fitz, a 22-pound Shi Tzu Mix, the student with a non-judgmental and comforting presence
working as its Therapy Dog. Fitz is a trained Therapy Dog to work on their skills. In his first month, Fitz has already been
who has been wagging his tail into the hearts of SSDHHC incredibly successful in helping students. He has bonded
students and staff for the past month. Jackie Bailey, School with students and staff alike, and is a favored member of
Counselor, adopted Fitz two years ago, and knew he would the SSDHHC community.
make an amazing Therapy Dog to work with the students she
serves. Fitz began his work in schools one year ago, and has How can I get more information on the
proven to absolutely love working with children and staff. Fitz’s Therapy Dog Program?
calm demeanor and loving personality make him the perfect
addition to the Therapy Dog program. If you have any questions about the Therapy Dog Program, or
would like more information about the work Fitz is doing with
the SSDHHC community, please email Jackie Bailey at
jbailey@thescrantonschool.org. ■
11Blowout in a Winter
Wonderland!
On Friday, January 31st, the PBIS Committee hosted its January
Blowout. All students who earned the Blowout throughout the
months of December and January were able to participate in
the Winter Games. This very exciting celebration consisted of
several winter-themed activities. The elementary Blowout
was based on stations. Students rotated through a snow-
sensory pool, snowball target games, Pie-Face Showdown,
face painting, and a shaving cream finger painting table.
The students participated in a dance party, and excitedly waited
for the big finale – a paper snow fall! “Snow” fell from the
ceiling of the gym as the kids ran around, played, made “snow
angels,” and threw “snow balls” around.
Once the first round of “snow” was cleaned and packed away,
the SSDHHC middle school students entered the gym for
a riveting game of staff/student four-way dodgeball. To fit
with the snow theme of the day, the game was played with
“snowballs” made of marshmallows. The game was fun and
exciting, and students worked together to take a win over
the staff members. At the end of the hour, the middle school
students had the exciting experience of a paper fall throughout
the gym, just like the elementary students. They had so
much fun frolicking in the “snow!”
All students are working very hard to show readiness,
responsibility, respect, and safety to ensure
that they earn this wonderful experience! ■
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